Dodgers News: Analyzing Three Takeaways from Game Three
By Evan Lovett
No Timetable for Andre Ethier’s Return
With the Andrew Toles/Scott Van Slyke duo manning left field and Yasiel Puig contributing in right field, the absence of Andre Ethier is not yet impacting the Dodgers. The left-hander has a herniated disk in his back, after missing most of last season as well. Ethier received an injection to mitigate some of the pain before the Dodgers broke camp, but the recovery has not hastened Ethier’s return.
Dave Roberts noted that Ethier has not yet resumed baseball activities, and would not provide a timetable for his return.
Still no timetable for Andre Ethier's return. Not cleared for baseball activities. He is "a ways out", #Dodgers mgr Dave Roberts said
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) April 5, 2017
In Ethier’s previous 10 seasons, he hit for a .285 batting average with an .822 OPS, contributions that would fit in nicely with any ball club. The Dodgers are slated to proceed with Toles, Van Slyke, Franklin Gutierrez and perhaps Kiké Hernandez in left field in the meantime.
Ethier fractured his leg in spring training during 2016 and was only healthy enough to take 26 at-bats during the season. His veteran presence and value to the organization was rewarded, however, as he was named to the postseason roster, hitting a home run against the Chicago Cubs in a National League Championship Series six-game loss.
The left-fielder is in the final year of his contract with the Dodgers.